Sidemount- Principles For Success -

In backmount, a free-flowing left post is a disaster. You cannot reach it. In sidemount, every valve is within 6 inches of your shoulder. But simply being able to reach it is not enough. You need muscle memory.

: Utilizing a "long hose / short hose" configuration to ensure clean routing and easy gas sharing. 3. Achieving Perfect Trim and Buoyancy Sidemount- Principles For Success

Think of the "Ghost Diver"—your body, backplate (if any), wing, and exposure suit. When you remove the cylinders, you should be able to hover in horizontal trim, motionless, with your hands at your sides or crossed on your chest. You should require zero fin movement to maintain depth. In backmount, a free-flowing left post is a disaster

: Adjusting weight placement to offset the shift in center of gravity as tanks become buoyant toward the end of a dive. But simply being able to reach it is not enough

Tuck your elbow against your hip to lock the tank in place. Now rotate the valve. If your elbow is floating free, the tank will spin and you will fail.